Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has long been used in the field of human medicine as a safe and highly effective method of producing high quality images of the body which are used to detect a wide range of diseases. It is now proving equally valuable in small animal diagnosis.

Bringing the benefits of MRI to veterinary practice has, until now, been problematic on grounds of cost and access. VET MRI was set up with the aim of overcoming these obstacles by providing easy access for veterinary practitioners throughout the UK at a reasonable cost to pet owners.

VET MRI achieves these aims by providing a state-of-the-art mobile imaging system at scanning sites nation-wide. Our Bradley Stoke hospital is one of these sites. This allows vets to refer animals, quickly and easily to their nearest VET MRI scanning centre where pets undergo their scan.

What is involved?

Your pet will be admitted to the scanning centre prior to the scan so that a physical examination can be carried out along with blood tests where necessary. In order to keep still for the duration of the scan (usually about 30 minutes) your pet will require a general anaesthetic. Once anaesthetised your pet will be positioned on the scan table by one of our highly experienced radiographers who will then carry out a number of scans in various planes to give the veterinary surgeon all the information he or she requires to reach a diagnosis.

Usually, after a few hours your pet will have recovered sufficiently to go home provided no further treatment or investigations are required.

There are no known side effects and the procedure is completely harmless.